Discussion - The Sociological Imagination And Social Causes Of Suicide

DISCUSSION POST: The Sociological Imagination And Social Causes Of Suicide

Sociologist C. Wright Mills preferred to call the sociological perspective the sociological imagination, and he saw it transforming personal troubles into public issues. Let us begin our discussion this week by considering suicide, which is thoroughly explored in your textbook reading for this week.

For the initial post, respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2:

1. Option 1: Do a little digging: What resources are there in your state or local community for suicide prevention? Are the resources adequate, in your view? Why or why not? How does the sociological imagination help you decide whether or not the resources are adequate?
2. Option 2: Is this a "downer" topic to start a course or a textbook? If so, how would you explain the sociological imagination to a friend, in a different way? If not, why is this an important topic to help you learn about the sociological imagination?